 |
| leungchopan / 123RF Stock Photo |
There's an ancient Tibetan legend that attempts to explain how giant pandas acquired their distinctive black and white markings. I've seen many versions of this beautiful legend, but here's the gist of it:
Long ago, pandas were completely white. They lived together in harmony on top of a hill, where they were befriended by a kindly young shepherdess and her flock of sheep.
One day a baby panda was attacked by a leopard. The shepherdess rushed to his aid and managed to save the cub's life, but the leopard turned on her and killed her.
The pandas were overcome with sorrow at the tragic loss of their friend. They held a memorial service for her, covering their arms with black ashes as was customary in those days. They wiped tears from their eyes, rubbed their ears, and hugged each other in their grief.
Everywhere they touched, the ashes dyed their fur black. And from that day forward, all pandas have worn the same markings in memory of the shepherdess who selflessly sacrificed her life to save one of them.
-----------
So why would I be writing about pandas in a blog about Christmas?
Since pandas are symbols of peace throughout the world, I believe they are ideal mascots for the holiday season.
I was inspired to make this Panda stocking after visiting the San Diego Zoo, where I met Xiao Liwu, the new baby giant panda, and his mother, Bai Yun.
They were lounging together in a lush bamboo forest, looking irresistibly cute and cuddly. I felt moved to create something in their honor, so I decided to put their images on a Christmas stocking.
I hope it finds its way to a great home, and that its new owner enjoys it as much as I do.
~ Linda Blust, Wild About Christmas
One day a baby panda was attacked by a leopard. The shepherdess rushed to his aid and managed to save the cub's life, but the leopard turned on her and killed her.
The pandas were overcome with sorrow at the tragic loss of their friend. They held a memorial service for her, covering their arms with black ashes as was customary in those days. They wiped tears from their eyes, rubbed their ears, and hugged each other in their grief.
Everywhere they touched, the ashes dyed their fur black. And from that day forward, all pandas have worn the same markings in memory of the shepherdess who selflessly sacrificed her life to save one of them.
So why would I be writing about pandas in a blog about Christmas?
Since pandas are symbols of peace throughout the world, I believe they are ideal mascots for the holiday season.
I was inspired to make this Panda stocking after visiting the San Diego Zoo, where I met Xiao Liwu, the new baby giant panda, and his mother, Bai Yun.
They were lounging together in a lush bamboo forest, looking irresistibly cute and cuddly. I felt moved to create something in their honor, so I decided to put their images on a Christmas stocking.
It took several weeks to collect the materials and then sew them all together. As it turned out, I finished the stocking just as news broke that two new panda twins had been born at Zoo Atlanta. The timing couldn't have been better!
I dedicate this stocking to all the giant panda moms and babies, and the people who care for them. You can read more about it at Wild About Christmas.
I hope it finds its way to a great home, and that its new owner enjoys it as much as I do.
~ Linda Blust, Wild About Christmas
